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United States Patent |
6,005,486
|
Fridley
,   et al.
|
December 21, 1999
|
Television control system for universal control of hospital televisions
Abstract
A television control system for controlling different models of hospital
televisions, has an input device for receiving an input from a person, and
a controller for interfacing with hospital televisions. The controller
generates control signal clusters reflective of the input, and the
clusters include a plurality of sequentially-generated, individual control
signals for specific operational functions of a plurality of different
models of hospital televisions.
Inventors:
|
Fridley; Duane Patrick (Indianapolis, IN);
Dixon; Steve Allen (Hamilton, OH);
Palm; Vern (Batesville, IN);
Schuman; Richard J. (Brookville, IN)
|
Assignee:
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Hill-Rom, Inc. (Batesville, IN)
|
Appl. No.:
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157760 |
Filed:
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September 21, 1998 |
Current U.S. Class: |
340/825.22; 340/825.69; 340/825.72; 348/734; 370/447 |
Intern'l Class: |
G05B 019/02 |
Field of Search: |
340/825.22,825.72,825.69
348/173,175,176,734
359/142
379/102
370/447
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
3913153 | Oct., 1975 | Adams et al.
| |
4623887 | Nov., 1986 | Welles, II.
| |
4626848 | Dec., 1986 | Ehlers.
| |
4680790 | Jul., 1987 | Packard et al. | 379/432.
|
4703359 | Oct., 1987 | Rumbolt et al. | 358/194.
|
4780919 | Nov., 1988 | Harrison.
| |
4802114 | Jan., 1989 | Sogame.
| |
4825200 | Apr., 1989 | Evans et al.
| |
4866434 | Sep., 1989 | Keenan.
| |
4905279 | Feb., 1990 | Nishio.
| |
5028919 | Jul., 1991 | Hidaka.
| |
5128667 | Jul., 1992 | Enomoto.
| |
5235258 | Aug., 1993 | Schuerch.
| |
5386251 | Jan., 1995 | Movshovich.
| |
5519457 | May., 1996 | Nishigaki et al.
| |
5542138 | Aug., 1996 | Williams et al.
| |
5544376 | Aug., 1996 | Fromson.
| |
5619190 | Apr., 1997 | Duckworth et al. | 340/825.
|
5680115 | Oct., 1997 | Sim.
| |
5715020 | Feb., 1998 | Kuroiwa et al.
| |
5729210 | Mar., 1998 | Kiriyama.
| |
5737107 | Apr., 1998 | Umeda.
| |
5745068 | Apr., 1998 | Takahashi et al.
| |
Other References
National Electrical Manufacturers Association,Standard for Hospital Grade
Television Wired Interfaced to Pillow Speaker and/or Bed Rail Control,
NEMA Standards Publications 3-SB-, Rosslyn, Virginia, 1996, pp. 1-15.
|
Primary Examiner: Horabik; Michael
Assistant Examiner: Asongwed; Anthony A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wood, Herron & Evans, LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of pending application Ser. No.
08/853,532, entitled Television Control System for Universal Control of
Hospital Televisions, and filed May 9, 1997, which application is
incorporated completely herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A television control system for control of television models of a
predetermined plurality of different models of hospital televisions
without requiring patient programming of the system for a particular
models the system comprising:
an input device operable for generating at least one television input
signal corresponding to a television input from a person;
a controller configured for interfacing with a hospital television, the
controller operable for generating a cluster of control signals, in
response to said television input signal and each time said generated
television input signal is received by the controller, to operate
different models of hospital televisions;
the control signal cluster corresponding to at least one specific
operational function of a hospital television and including a
predetermined set of sequentially generated, individual control signals,
each of the individual control signals of the cluster corresponding to at
least one model of a predetermined plurality of different models of
hospital televisions and the cluster including individual control signals
for various models of the predetermined plurality of different models;
the controller further operable for generating a data stream as part of the
control signal cluster when said input signal continues for a
predetermined time after the predetermined set of control signals of the
cluster is generated, the data stream corresponding to an operational
function of a hospital television which is not responsive to said control
signals from said predetermined set;
the control system automatically operating any one of a variety of
different models of hospital televisions in response to a patient input.
2. The television control system of claim 1 wherein said controller is
operable for generating control signals for turning on a hospital
television, said control signal cluster including sequentially generated
ON signals for a plurality of different models of hospital televisions.
3. The television control system of claim 1 wherein said controller is
operable for generating control signals for turning off a hospital
television, said control signal cluster including sequentially generated
OFF signals for a plurality of different models of hospital televisions.
4. The television control system of claim 1 wherein said controller is
operable for generating control signals for varying viewing channels of a
hospital television, said control signal cluster including sequentially
generated CHANNEL signals for a plurality of different models of hospital
televisions.
5. The television control system of claim 4 wherein said CHANNEL signals
include CHANNEL UP signals to operate a television to move up through
available viewing channels of a hospital television.
6. The television control system of claim 4 wherein said CHANNEL signals
include CHANNEL DOWN signals to operate a television to move down through
available viewing channels of a hospital television.
7. The television control system of claim 1 wherein said controller is
operable for generating control signals for operating a radio device
associated with a hospital television, said control signal cluster
including at least one RADIO signal corresponding to a particular model of
hospital television.
8. The television control system of claim 1 wherein said controller is
operable for generating control signals for selecting an operational
function from available television operational functions, said control
signal cluster including at least one SELECT signal corresponding to a
particular model of hospital television.
9. The television control system of claim 1 wherein said controller
comprises a processor for processing said input signal to generate said
control signals.
10. The television control system of claim 1 wherein said controller
comprises a relay, the relay being opened and closed to generate said
control signals.
11. The television control system of claim 1 wherein said control signal
cluster includes delay periods therein between the control signals.
12. The television control system of claim 1 wherein said input device is
operable for generating a plurality of different input signals and said
controller is operable for generating different control signals for a
plurality of different operational functions of hospital televisions in
response to the different control signals, the different control signals
being configured to have generally the same effective duration so that the
different operational functions of the televisions may be operated at
effectively the same rate.
13. A hospital bed for controlling television models of a predetermined
plurality of different models of hospital televisions located proximate
the bed without requiring patient programming of the bed for a particular
model, the hospital bed comprising:
a frame and a support surface coupled to the frame to receive a person;
an input device operable for generating at least one television input
signal corresponding to a television input from a person;
a controller configured for interfacing with a hospital television, the
controller operable for generating a cluster of control signals, in
response to said television input signal and each time said generated
television input signal is received by the controller, to operate
different models of hospital televisions;
the control signal cluster corresponding to at least one specific
operational function of a hospital television and including a
predetermined set of sequentially generated, individual control signals,
each of the individual control signals of the cluster corresponding to at
least one model of a plurality of different models of hospital televisions
and the cluster including individual control signals for various models of
the predetermined plurality of different models;
the controller further operable for generating a data stream as part of the
control signal cluster when said input signal continues for a
predetermined time after the predetermined set of control signals of the
cluster is generated, the data stream corresponding to an operational
function of a hospital television which is not responsive to said control
signals from said predetermined set;
the control system automatically operating any one of a variety of
different models of hospital televisions in response to a patient input.
14. The hospital bed of claim 13 wherein said controller comprises a
processor for processing said input signal to generate said control
signals.
15. The hospital bed of claim 13 wherein said controller comprises a relay,
the relay being opened and closed to generate said control signals.
16. A hospital pillow speaker to be used with a hospital bed for
controlling television models of a predetermined plurality of different
models of hospital televisions located proximate the bed without requiring
patient programming of the pillow speaker for a particular model, the
pillow speaker comprising:
a body including an interface surface for interfacing with a person;
a plurality of input devices available at the interface surface and
operable for generating at least one television input signal corresponding
to a television input from a person;
a controller configured for interfacing with a hospital television, the
controller operable for generating a cluster of control signals, in
response to said television input signal and each time said generated
television input signal is received by the controller, to operate
different models of hospital televisions;
the control signal cluster corresponding to at least one specific
operational function of a hospital television and including a
predetermined set of sequentially generated, individual control signals,
each of the individual control signals of the cluster corresponding to at
least on model of a predetermined plurality of different models of
hospital televisions and the cluster including individual control signals
for various models of the predetermined plurality of different models;
the controller further operable for generating a data stream as part of the
control signal cluster when said input signal continues for a
predetermined time after the predetermined set of control signals of the
cluster is generated, the data stream corresponding to an operational
function of a hospital television which is not responsive to said control
signals from the predetermined set;
the control system automatically operating any one of a variety of
different models of hospital televisions in response to a patient input.
17. The pillow speaker of claim 16 wherein said controller comprises a
processor for processing said input signal to generate said control
signals.
18. The pillow speaker of claim 16 wherein said controller further
comprises a relay operably coupled to said processor, the processor
operable, in response to said input signal, to open and close the relay to
generate said control signals.
19. The pillow speaker of claim 16 wherein said controller comprises a
relay, the relay being opened and closed to generate said control signals.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to hospital interfacing devices and
particularly to an interface device for controlling a television in a
hospital room.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Televisions (TVs) manufactured for use in health care facilities, such as
within hospital rooms, are specifically designed for use within those
environments. In the past, such televisions have been designed to meet
certain requirements regarding safety and control. However, such hospital
TV control has always been subject to an informal control standard
directed to the patient operation of the TVs from a hospital bed rail
control or a pillow speaker. The term "pillow speaker" is generally used
to refer to a device associated with a hospital bed which provides an
audio speaker and volume control for a television, along with capabilities
for communicating with the nurse, controlling lighting, and other such
features. The pillow speaker is generally a detached unit connected by a
cord to the bed or to an interface plug in the wall.
While available hospital TVs and their associated controls provide a basic
viewing experience, they suffer from several significant drawbacks.
Historically, the control of hospital TVs has been severely limited and
has generally consisted of a single button control which turns the
television ON and OFF and changes the channel. Separate volume control
buttons are used for raising or lowering the volume of the television. For
example, such TVs are turned ON by pressing the TV button. Then, each
subsequent depression of the TV button changes the channel UP to the next
available viewing channel. When all the available channels are displayed
in sequence, the television then turns OFF. Depressing the TV button again
turns the television back ON and prepares it again for moving UP through
the channels. The patient or other person controlling the TV can only
progress upwardly through the channels. If a desired channel is passed,
the patient has to progress all the way through the channel selections,
has to turn the TV OFF and then ON again, and finally has to move up
slowly through the channels, being careful to again not pass the desired
channel. Furthermore, a patient cannot turn the TV OFF at a selected
channel and then turn it back ON at that channel. The TV always comes back
ON at the same channel and the patient has to again search for the channel
they were previously viewing.
Such scenarios are not only frustrating and a waste of the patent's time,
but also may unduly and undesirably aggravate the patient, whose health
may not be at its best. While such control may have been at least
sufficient when only a few channels were available for viewing, the latest
TV technology requires additional control for accessing a large number of
additional channels and operating an expanded set of TV features and
functions. For example, it is desirable to turn the television ON and OFF
and have it remain at the channel which was last selected. Furthermore, it
is desirable to move UP or DOWN through the available channels at random.
Still further, it is desirable to access a number of other TV features,
such as display menus or channel viewing guides. Newly available hospital
TVs, often referred to as code-driven TVs, are capable of being
functionally controlled as desired and discussed above. However, current
hospital TV control technology is usually only able to provide the limited
control that has traditionally been available with a hospital TV and often
cannot take full advantage of the code-driven TV technology.
Another significant drawback of available hospital TV control technology is
that each bed and pillow speaker associated with the bed must be
configured to control a specific brand/model of hospital TV. There are
currently at least three major manufacturers of hospital TVS. To control a
specific TV brand/model from a hospital bed and pillow speaker, the bed
and pillow speaker have to be specially manufactured and configured for
that TV model.
As such, a hospital or other health care facility has to know which beds
are going to go with which TV models, and the manufacturer of the beds has
to tailor and configure the bed operation for the specific TV model.
Oftentimes, such configuration is required in the field, which further
increases the manufacturing costs associated with each bed. After the beds
and TVs are installed, a bed cannot be moved to a room having a different
TV model than the one for which it is manufactured and configured.
Otherwise, the TV cannot be controlled from the bed. As may be
appreciated, this presents significant logistical problems for the
hospital in setting up a hospital room. Furthermore, it presents delays in
implementing a bed into a room, because if the bed and TV do not
communicate, then the hospital has to obtain a different bed, or a
different TV model or has to have the bed reconfigured for the specific TV
model available.
The present hospital TV control scenario is also unsuitable for hospital
bed manufacturing. Manufacturers have to keep different beds in inventory,
or have to specifically tailor or retrofit each bed to the customer's TV
demands. Such retrofitting is often done by the bed manufacturer in the
field. This is not only costly in the way of increased inventory costs and
post production modifications, but it also creates another issue for
manufacturers' Customer Service Departments to handle.
Furthermore, not only do the above problems and drawbacks arise when a new
hospital room is being set up, but they will again occur if there is a
malfunction in the bed, in the TV, or both. Replacement beds or TVs cannot
simply be taken from other rooms unless the hospital only has one type of
bed and one model of television.
Any solution to the above drawbacks in current TV control technology must
not only take into account the newer code-driven hospital TVs, but must
also be compatible with older TVs that will probably remain in a
particular hospital until they malfunction or the hospital makes a
determination to upgrade to newer TVs. Given the interest in rising health
care costs, the former situation may occur before the latter.
Radio capabilities are also usually available with some hospital TVs. In
the past, the bed rails and pillow speakers have had separate, generally
single button, RADIO controls for turning the radio ON and OFF and
changing the radio channels. Furthermore, radio control was limited like
the TV control. Therefore, any suitable solutions to the drawbacks of the
current TV control technology should also be capable of utilizing
available radio features of a television, whether an older TV model or a
newer, code-driven model.
One solution to the aforementioned problems in the prior art, is addressed
by U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 08/853,532, referenced above, wherein
a television control system for universal control of hospital televisions
is provided, addressing the problems associated with various TV models
from different manufacturers, as well as scenarios wherein a hospital will
include both older and newer televisions. Specifically, the television
control system utilizes various operational modes for adapting the system
to a variety of different situations. For example, the inventive system
may be adapted to hospitals containing both old and newer TVs, to
hospitals containing only newer TVs and/or to hospitals containing only
old TVs. Furthermore, the system may be adapted, through mode selection,
to address a number of other possible scenarios within a hospital. While
such mode selection is desirable and the inventive system addresses the
problems in the prior art, it requires proper switch selection for the
desired mode upon installation. Accordingly, the proper switch selection
requires an individual to recognize which TVs are in use within a
particular room or within a particular hospital or medical facility. Such
a determination may slow the installation procedure.
Furthermore, the previously mentioned system, in one embodiment, relies
upon patient operation of the various input buttons to switch between
sub-modes. It has been determined that such a process for selecting a mode
could sometimes lead to the inadvertent selection of control for an older
style TV when control of a newer TV is actually desired, or vice versa.
Such mode selection would rely upon all users intuitively operating the
system in the same manner. In the worse scenario, the various submodes of
the system might be changed inadvertently and undesirably.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to address the
drawbacks in available hospital TV control scenarios, and to provide an
improved TV control system for medical and health care facilities, such as
hospitals.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a TV control
system which adapts to TV models from a variety of different
manufacturers.
It is still a further objective of the present invention to have a
bed-dedicated TV control unit and bed which may be moved between areas in
the hospital without being dependent upon the model of TV with which it is
interfaced.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide expandability
of TV control functions in a hospital for easily accessing additional
channels and addressing additional features available with current TV
technology.
It is still a further objective to provide expanded control capabilities
for newer hospital TVs while at the same time maintaining compatibility
with older TVs which are currently in place in various hospitals.
It is another objective of the invention to improve upon the existing
inventive control system which addresses the above objectives and to
specifically reduce or eliminate manual switching or patient control for
operation of various older and newer style TVs with the system.
It is another objective to provide suitable radio control within the TV
control system.
These and other objectives will become more readily apparent from the
Summary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, and Detailed
Description of the Invention, below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses the above-discussed drawbacks of the prior
art and meets the objectives set forth above and other objectives by
providing a TV control system which universally controls different models
of hospital TVs. In that way, a bed, or pillow speaker, which is outfitted
with the invention may be utilized with any one of a number of different
hospital TV models from different manufacturers without having to be
specially designed or configured for a particular TV model. The television
control system allows a bed or pillow speaker to be moved between areas in
the hospital without being dependent upon the model of TV with which it is
interfaced. The inventive system further provides expanded functional
capability for controlling a hospital TV while maintaining compatibility
with older TVs and providing for suitable radio control of radio functions
available on a particular TV model. By providing universal control of
different TV models, the invention reduces the logistical problems between
hospital and bed manufacturers when ordering, manufacturing, and
installing hospital beds. Furthermore, the invention gives a hospital
greater flexibility in moving and replacing hospital beds and hospital
TVs. Manufacturers do not have to maintain a large inventory of different
beds configured for specific TV models, thus reducing inventory costs and
post production costs associated with retrofitting or configuring beds in
the field for specific TV control. Furthermore, the invention gives a
patient greater flexibility and control of the TV and eliminates the
inconveniences and irritations associated with prior hospital TV systems.
To that end, the TV control system of the invention comprises an input
device which is operable for interfacing with a person to receive an
input, and is further operable for generating an input signal
corresponding to the input. The input device may be in the form of buttons
or switches on the side rail of a hospital bed or may be incorporated into
the control buttons or switches of a pillow speaker associated with the
bed. The input device essentially provides an indication to the patient of
the type of control available for the hospital TV and possibly a radio
system associated therewith. The system further comprises a controller
which is configured for interfacing with the hospital TV. The controller
is operable for generating the necessary control signals to operate
different models of hospital TVs. The controller not only provides control
signals for newer code-driven TVs, but is still capable of controlling
older TVs which are in place in existing hospital facilities. The
controller is operably coupled to the input device to receive one of a
plurality of available input signals, such as an input from the patient to
turn the television ON or OFF or to change channels.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the controller
is operable for generating a control signal cluster reflective of the
input signal to control the TV as desired by the patient. The control
signal cluster includes a plurality of sequentially generated, individual
control signals, which are sent one after the other. Each of the control
signals corresponds to a specific operational function for a plurality of
different models of hospital TVs. Therefore, the sequentially generated
control signals of each cluster reflect the desired operational function
of the patient.
For example, when the patient pushes the TV ON button, the controller of
the inventive system generates a control signal cluster which has a
plurality of sequentially generated ON commands, one ON command for each
TV of a plurality of different models of hospital TVs which may be coupled
to the system. That is, if the system is configured for controlling
television Model A, Model B, and Model C, each from different
manufacturers, then the inventive system provides a control signal cluster
including ON signals for Model A, Model B, and Model C for turning the TV
on. The sequentially generated ON signals proceed one after the other. If
the bed containing the inventive system is coupled with a Model B TV, then
the TV will simply ignore the ON control signals for Model A and Model C,
and will respond to the Model B signal by turning itself on. Since the
control signal cluster includes sequentially generated control signals for
a plurality of different models of hospital TVs, then the bed and
inventive control system may be moved to a room with a different TV model,
such as a Model A TV, and the control system will be able to properly
operate that model as well without any reconfiguration of the control
system.
Preferably, a particular input signal will produce a control signal cluster
which corresponds to the same operational function for each TV model with
which the system might be interfaced. For example, an ON input from the
patient will generate a cluster of only ON signals for the TVs. However,
in accordance with another principle of the present invention, the cluster
might include individual control signals for different operational
functions. For example, for one TV model, the cluster may include control
signals to provide radio features from the TV, while for another TV model,
and within the same cluster, the control signal might operate the TV to
provide a channel guide showing the available viewing channels. It will be
appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art, that other features
might be included in a cluster depending upon the operational functions of
the available TV models.
In one embodiment of the invention, inputs are provided for turning the
television ON/OFF, for moving the viewing channel UP, and for moving the
viewing channel DOWN, while another button corresponds to a SELECT or
RADIO feature of the TV model. The ON/OFF, UP, and DOWN, are the basic
functions which most patients will utilize when operating a hospital
television. However, it will be appreciated that other operational
functions may be utilized and thus the input device may provide the
appropriate switches or buttons to access those additional functions.
The present invention is capable of operating newer, code-driven TVs, and
is also capable of operating older TVs under the older command protocol.
To that end, one embodiment of the present invention operates in a variety
of different modes depending upon whether old TVs, newer code- driven TVs,
or a combination of both are to be encountered by a bed which is outfitted
with the inventive control system. To that end, the invention comprises a
mode switch which is coupled to the main processor of the system for
determining the selected mode. The mode switch may be utilized to set the
system into a particular mode depending upon the installation parameters
and the TVs available.
In another embodiment of the invention, a mode switch and different
selectable modes are eliminated. In the alternative embodiment, the
invention takes advantage of the backward compatibility of newer TVs which
are compatible to the older command protocol, so that the newer TVs may be
installed in hospitals where only the older command protocol is available.
To that end, the control signal cluster, which is generated in accordance
with the principles of the present invention, may include the command
signals for the older protocol, as well as the new control signals for the
newer TVs. Specifically, the cluster initially includes control signals
for the newer TVs, and if the TV does not respond, a data stream for
operating an older TV is added to the cluster. In that way, the older TVs
are essentially handled as if they were a TV from another manufacturer.
Furthermore, no mode switching or mode selection is necessary by either
the installer or a patient utilizing the inventive system. In such an
alternative embodiment, the backward compatibility of newer TVs is also
taken into account, so that a selected function, such a CHANNEL UP
function, is always generated under the older command protocol. All TVs,
older and newer, will recognize certain function control signals, such as
a CHANNEL UP control signal, based upon the older command protocol.
Preferably, in accordance with such an alternative embodiment, the cluster
of control signals is repeated at regular intervals if a particular input
is repeatedly engaged and the individual control signals are appropriately
separated by time delay intervals to allow correlated functions to occur
at a similar rate. For example, the CHANNEL UP control signals and CHANNEL
DOWN control signals are repeated at the same intervals so that the
channels may be scrolled up and down at generally the same rate.
In one embodiment of the invention, the controller utilizes a plurality of
relays to generate the control signal cluster. The relays are coupled to
the system processor, and they are opened and closed as directed by the
processor to form a series or string of spaced pulses which create the
specific control signals for a particular TV model. Through selective
operation of the relays, the control signals, and control signal clusters
are created as necessary for operating a hospital TV. The relays are also
bi-directional and not sensitive to polarity errors that may occur upon
installation of the system. The features and advantages of the invention
will become further apparent from the Brief Description of Drawings and
the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the Universal Television
Control System of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a circuit schematic of the System in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the
inventive system;
FIG. 4 is a control sequence diagram for operation of one embodiment of the
inventive system;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the
inventive system;
FIG. 6 is a control sequence diagram for operation of one embodiment of the
inventive system;
FIG. 7 is a timing diagram for the control sequence illustrated in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a control sequence similar to FIG. 6 for one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for use in a hospital or other health
care facility implementing the universal television control system of the
invention. System 10, illustrated in FIG. 1, provides the necessary
interface between the patient, the bed, the control system, and the TV.
System 10 implements a plurality of user inputs 12 which are preferably
provided by the bed rail circuitry of a hospital bed or the circuitry of a
pillow speaker. In currently available hospital beds and pillow speakers
with TV control systems, control buttons are available for operating the
bed, operating the television, calling a nurse or other attendant, and a
variety of other functions associated with hospital beds. While the input
devices are traditionally bed rails and pillow speakers, other input
devices might be used.
Transient protection circuitry 14 is utilized for isolating the system
controller 16 from a user input device to prevent electrical shock and
other hazards to a patient or other user, and also to protect the
controller circuitry. The controller 16, discussed in greater detail
hereinbelow, includes a processor 36 which provides the necessary signals,
in the form of a coded data stream on output lines 18 for controlling a
bi-directional interface and ultimately for controlling the hospital TV in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. Controller 16 is
preferably coupled to an appropriate power source and regulator circuitry
20, such as power from a hospital bed. System 10 also preferably includes
an auxiliary power source 22, such as battery, when a more standard source
of power is not available. The coded data stream signals 18 operate
bi-directional interface circuitry 24 which provides proper operational
coupling between the TV and processor 36 of controller 16. Transient
protection circuitry 26 is also preferably positioned between the
bi-directional interface circuits 24 and the TV. In that way, a series of
isolated TV control output signals 28 are provided to the TV. Controller
16 circuitry of system 10 is thus electrically isolated both from the TV
and the user input devices for protecting the controller 16 circuitry.
FIG. 2 is a circuit schematic diagram for the controller 16 of system 10
illustrated in FIG. 1. In accordance with the principles of the present
invention, a patient or other person is able to control a variety of
different TV models using input buttons, switches, or other devices on a
hospital bed rail, pillow speaker, or similar input device. Throughout
this application, the term "models" used in referring to the different
types of hospital TVs which are available, refers both to different brands
of hospital TVs made by different manufacturers, such as RCA/GE, Zenith,
and Magnavox/Philips, and also refers to the different types of models
which may be available from any one manufacturer but which may require a
different control protocol.
To control the hospital TV in accordance with the principles of the
invention, user inputs or input signals 12 are provided to controller 16
from the existing TV control circuitry of a hospital bed 30, or from
another input device 32, such as a pillow speaker. For example, a user
input might be the operation of a button, switch or other device on the
bed or pillow speaker. The TV control input circuitry of a bed will
generally be located at the available left and right side rails of the bed
(not shown) as is conventional. However, it will be understood that other
locations on the bed may also be suitable for the TV control input
circuitry. The input circuitry preferably includes a number of input
buttons/switches 34, as shown on the pillow speaker 32, which may be
pressed or activated by a patient. It is also conventional to locate TV
control buttons on the pillow speaker. While the pillow speaker 32 and bed
30 may be used exclusive of each other for TV control, a pillow speaker
will generally be provided with the bed, and in such a case, the inputs
from the various devices may be operably tied together as illustrated in
FIG. 2. The various available user inputs will preferably generate input
signals. FIG. 2 shows four input lines which make up the user input
signals 12. However, a lesser or greater number of inputs, input signals
and appropriate lines may be provided depending upon the number of input
buttons/switches 34 utilized with the bed or pillow speaker and the
desired control of the TV.
Controller 16 further comprises a processor 36 which is preferably an
integrated circuit micro-processor, such as Model No. PIC 16C84 available
from Microchip, Chandler, Ariz. Alternatively, the processor 36 might
include a programmable logic array (PLA) which is specifically configured
for use within the controller 16 in accordance with the principles of the
present invention. The processor 36 is operably coupled to the input
devices 30, 32 for receiving input signals 12 therefrom which correspond
to the input buttons/switches 34 accessed by the patient. The processor
reads the user input signals 12, and depending upon the processor's
operational mode, as discussed further hereinbelow, processor 36 will
generate output signals 38 (coded data stream 18 from FIG. 1) which are
used for ultimately producing the output signals or control signals 28
necessary for controlling a hospital TV 40 coupled to system 10 of the
invention.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the processor 36 is coupled
to bi-directional interface circuitry 24 comprising a plurality of relays
42a, 42b, and 42c. The relays are utilized for producing the TV control
signals 28. Three relays are illustrated and discussed herein; however, it
will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that a
different number of relays might also be utilized depending upon the
number of control signals 28 which are desired for controlling the
hospital TV 40. Therefore, the system is expandable both with respect to
user inputs and output control signals. Suitable relays are solid state
relays HP HSSR 8400 available from Hewlett-Packard.
In one embodiment, processor 36 is also coupled to a mode switch 44 for
controlling the operating mode of the processor. Mode switch 44 may be a
dip switch with a plurality of individual switches to provide a plurality
of different switch states or signals. For example, mode switch 44
illustrated in FIG. 2 has four individual switches 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d
and thus is capable of providing a number of binary states or mode signals
46 to processor 36. As illustrated in FIG. 2, three of the mode signals 46
(from switches 44b, 44c, and 44d) are coupled directly to processor 36
while the other mode signal or output from mode switch 44a is used to
couple two control signal lines together. Again, it will be understood
that mode switch 44 may be capable of initiating greater than 16 modes in
controller 16 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Also, in another embodiment of the invention, a mode switch may not be
necessary, as discussed below.
Relay support circuitry 48a, 48b, and 48c is coupled between the processor
36 and output signals 38 and the respective relays 42a, 42b, and 42c. The
support circuitry provides a high drive current to each of the relays for
creating the TV control signals 28. That is, the relays create the actual
control signals 28 for the TV under the command and operation of processor
36 and output signals 38. Preferably the relays 42a, 42b, and 42c are
optical relays which provide an optical isolation between output control
signals 28 and the processor 36 and input circuitry 30, 32. In the
embodiment disclosed herein, relay 42a is primarily utilized for the
traditional TV functions of TV 40. Relays 42b and 42c are utilized for
radio functions associated with TV 40.
More specifically, the output lines of 42a designated TV+ and TV- are used
to send the appropriate control signals to TV 40, and thus are
appropriately coupled to the TV. The relays 42a, 42b, and 42c are polarity
independent and thus provide the bi-directional interface 24 of controller
16. TV 40 would generally be coupled to the controller 16 through an
appropriate wall interface 50 (see FIG. 1). In conventional systems, it is
necessary to ensure that the polarity of TV lines 52 coupled between TV 40
and the wall interface 50 was proper because the control lines TV+ and TV-
on the other side of the interface 50 are polarity dependent. However,
since the relay 42a will simply connect or disconnect the lines TV+ and
TV- in a controlled fashion to send the appropriate control signals 28,
the lines are bi-directionally coupled and the polarity of lines 52 may be
switched and the system 10 of the invention will still operate properly.
This provides a significant advantage over prior systems, which were
susceptible to being improperly wired, thus preventing proper operation of
the TV.
Depending upon the mode of operation, relays 42b and 42c are utilized to
provide radio control signals for a wired radio, or alternatively, channel
UP and DOWN signals for some hard-wired TV models such as that provided by
Zenith. Again, mode switch 44 provides a selection of different modes of
operation for processor 36, and additional relays may be added to the
inventive system to address the need for additional TV control signals.
The present system would be operational for a variety of different hospital
TV models including, but not limited to, the following:
RCA and GE televisions currently manufactured by Thomson Consumer
Electronics, including RCAJ250520 20 inch TVs and GE20GH550 20 inch TVs
and later hospital grade models;
Magnavox and Philips TVs currently manufactured by North American Philips,
including Magnavox KJ92-20P 20 inch TVs and Philips HC9520C 20 inch TVs
and later hospital grade models;
Zenith TVs manufactured by Zenith Sales Inc. including Zenith H2057DT 20
inch and later hospital grade models.
The system is also suitable for adaptation to future code-driven
hospital-grade TVs and also operates older TVs currently used with the
conventional TV control protocol.
The newer hospital grade TVs are code-driven and thus operate according to
a plurality of different control codes which are sent to the TV. Old TVs
are generally not code-driven. For operating one of a number of
code-driven TVs, controller 16 produces a control signal cluster
comprising a plurality of control signals in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. More specifically, the control signal
cluster includes a plurality of sequentially generated, individual control
signals which correspond to the specific operational functions of a
plurality of different models of hospital TVs. The control signals are
sent to the TV one after the other. The inventive system thus will
automatically operate any one of a variety of different models of hospital
TVs in response to a patient input. Furthermore, in an alternative
embodiment, both newer and older TVs may be operated with a single control
signal cluster.
The cluster preferably includes a particular control signal for each of the
TV models that may be used with the invention and alternatively, may
include control signals for older TVs. The particular TV model interfaced
with a hospital bed or pillow speaker receives the control signal cluster
and will recognize and utilize the particular control signal of that
cluster which operates that specific TV model or the specific older or
newer TV, The other control signals of the cluster which are not meant for
the particular model of older/newer TV in the hospital room are
essentially ignored. The control signal cluster is generated by controller
16 very rapidly and thus presents little delay in operating a particular
TV. That is, there is preferably very little delay between each of the
individual control signals of the cluster. The inventive system can be
moved very easily between the various models of hospital TVs and does not
require any reconfiguration or retrofit to operate the different TV
models. In that way, should there be a malfunction in the bed of the TV,
another bed utilizing the inventive system can replace the malfunctioning
bed, or alternatively, another TV may be installed without concern for the
particular TV model and its compatibility with the bed. This provides a
substantial savings in the time required to plan and maintain a hospital
room, and further reduces the logistical problems that have existed in the
past with respect to arranging beds and TVs in hospital rooms so that
compatibility is maintained. Furthermore, the hospital does not have to
use just one particular TV model or one particular bed, as long as all the
beds utilized incorporate the inventive system.
Examples of the operation of the system, and the various selectable modes
of one embodiment of the invention, will be helpful in understanding the
invention. The operational modes of controller 16 are determined by
processor 36 and in one embodiment by mode switch 44 coupled to the
processor. Mode switch 44 is preferably a dip switch which allows for
rapid configuration of controller 16 to tailor the operational mode of the
system to a particular hospital environment. For example, if a hospital
contains both old TVs and newer code-driven TVs, one mode might be
selected, whereas if a hospital only has the older TVs, or only has newer,
code-driven TVs, another mode might be selected. The selected mode may
also depend on the kind of radio capabilities available. Therefore, the
mode switch provides a degree of programmability so that a user may
program the selected operating mode. Of course, other programming devices
might also be used to select the operating mode.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for the operation of the processor 36 of
controller 16 in one embodiment of the invention. Upon powering the bed
30, the pillow speaker 32, or any other available power sources 20, 22,
the processor is powered up and controller 16 is appropriately set to a
reset mode (Step 60). The processor then reads the dip switch 44 (lines
46) to determine the operating mode selected (Step 61). Then the operating
mode is set for the processor (Step 61A). The processor then returns to,
or is restored to the last operating submode (Step 62) of the selected
mode which will usually correspond to the particular hospital scenario,
including the model of TV which is being controlled. Some of the operating
modes of the invention, like Operating Mode 1 discussed below, have
several submodes that may be used. Accordingly, if one of these modes is
chosen, the processor will want to return to the proper submode in that
mode. Processor 36 is therefore preferably configured to store current
operating submodes and to remember the submodes for future operation even
if power is removed.
Next, processor 36 defines the input switches (Step 64), depending upon the
selected operating mode. That is, each of the input switches/buttons 34
from the bed 30 or pillow speaker 32 or other input device may initiate
different operational functions of the TV 40 depending upon the operating
mode of the controller 16. Next, the mode switch is again read (Step 65)
to determine if the switch has been changed after start-up of the system.
If the switch has been changed, a new mode is being requested, and new
input switches must be defined (67). The processor 36 then polls the input
devices (Step 66) and reads the respective input signals 12 to determine
if a patient is trying to control the TV 40. If the user input is active
(Step 68), such as if a button is pushed and/or a switch closed from the
various input devices, then processor 36 will respond accordingly. If no
user input is active, then the processor will simply re-poll or re-read
the user inputs until one of the inputs becomes active as indicated in the
flow chart loop in FIG. 3. The processor will also poll the mode switch to
detect a mode change. If a user input is active, processor 36 will
determine whether the user wants to change to a different submode within
the current operating mode (Step 70). In at least one operating mode of
the invention, a plurality of submodes are available for controlling TV
40. For example, an operating mode may provide control of both old TVs and
newer, code-driven TVs, wherein one submode in that mode is dedicated to
the old TVs and another submode is dedicated to the newer, code-driven
TVs. Accordingly, in response to the user inputs 12, the processor may
automatically change from one submode to another submode (Steps 74, 76)
depending upon the model of TV which is to be controlled.
If a user input is active, but no operating mode or submode change is
requested, the processor generates the proper relay control signals 38 for
creating an appropriate control signal cluster 28 to control the TV (Step
72). As discussed further hereinbelow, the individual and sequentially
generated control signals of each control signal cluster correspond to
specific operational functions for a plurality of different hospital TV
models. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, some of the
particular input signals will generate a control signal cluster which has
individual TV control signals which all relate to essentially the same or
very similar operational functions for different TV models. For example, a
TV ON input signal from the patient will generate a control signal cluster
with a plurality of different ON control signals to turn on different TV
models to be interfaced with the system. The actual TV 40 coupled to the
inventive system will see a plurality of ON signals and will respond only
to the ON signal that it recognizes.
If the processor 36 determines that the user is changing the operating mode
to a different submode, the processor will determine that different
operating mode or submode (step 74) and will store that operating mode or
submode (Step 76). As a result, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, new switch
inputs for the input devices will be defined (step 64). In one embodiment
of the invention, the mode change or submode change provided by the
controller 16 will be transparent to the user. For example, if the
processor is currently in an operating mode which will allow it to operate
both new and old televisions, but is in a submode which is directed to
newer televisions, processor 36 will have to switch submodes in order to
control an old TV. Therefore, in response to a TV ON input from the
patient, for example, controller 16 will generate a control signal cluster
for turning new TVs on. An old TV will not turn on and therefore the
patient will generally provide a prolonged ON signal, such as by keeping
the TV ON button depressed. The processor 36 will read the prolonged ON
signal and will switch submodes to the old TV submode at which time the
old TV will turn on.
Operating Mode 1
Turning now to the various operating modes of one embodiment of the
invention, FIG. 4 shows a simulated timing sequence with associated
simulated control signal clusters for Operating Mode 1, illustrated with
Submode A and Submode B. The actual control signals of the cluster may
vary from the simulated signals shown by pulse width, number of pulses,
and spacing between pulses. FIG. 4 illustrates four input buttons from an
input device, although additional input buttons or switches may be added
as appropriate for expanding the inventive system, as previously
discussed. Furthermore, FIG. 4 discloses control signal clusters which
have control signals for TV models designated Magnavox/Philips, RCA/GE and
Zenith, although other manufacturers' codes might also be utilized in the
control signal cluster, as appropriate. Magnavox is listed with Philips,
and RCA is listed with GE, for example, because the hospital TV models
having those brand names share similar control signals. For example, RCA
brand TVs and GE brand TVs will share a similar control signal protocol
On the left side of FIG. 4, the input buttons are designated as ON/OFF, CH
UP, CH DOWN, and SELECT/MUSIC for turning the TV on and off, moving the
channel up, moving the channel down, and accessing a radio feature or
selecting some other operational function of the TV, respectively. When
the ON/OFF switch or button 34 on the bed 30, pillow speaker 32, or other
input device is pressed and the processor 36 is in Operating Mode 1 and
Submode A, controller 16 sends a control signal cluster 80 to TV 40.
Control signal cluster 80 includes a TV ON/OFF signal for each of
Magnavox/Philips, RCA/GE, and Zenith. The TV model coupled to controller
16 sees the TV ON/OFF control signals of the cluster and will respond
accordingly when it receives the appropriate control signal for that TV
model. The remaining control signals for the cluster are ignored.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control signals are a series or string of
spaced pulses. To that end, controller 16 provides the relay control
signals 38 for opening and closing relay 42a to create the selected pulse
strings and build the control signal cluster. Preferably, there is very
little delay between the individual control signals of each cluster as
shown in FIG. 4 by the simulated control pulses. Each time the ON/OFF
button is pressed, the cluster 80 is sent. If the CH UP button is pressed,
the controller will create cluster 82 which includes sequentially
generated CHANNEL UP signals for moving the channel up for the different
TV models. Similarly, if the CH DOWN button is depressed the control
signal cluster 84 will include appropriate CHANNEL DOWN signals for moving
the channel down for the available TV models. Both control signal clusters
82 and 84 will also be generated using relay 42a. Each time the CH UP and
CH DOWN buttons are pressed, a channel change is made. Furthermore, if
either button is held down the appropriate clusters 82, 84 are repeated to
change the channel.
If the SELECT/MUSIC button is pushed the control signal cluster 86 created
will include control signals for different operational functions depending
upon the TV model. For example, for Magnavox/Philips TVs, cluster 86 will
include the control signal for selecting a particular feature of the TV,
such as a channel guide or other available operational function, while it
will turn on a radio, such as an FM radio, for code-driven RCA/GE TVs and
Zenith TVs. When the radio is on, the CH UP and CH DOWN buttons are used
to change the available channels for the code-driven TVs with radio
features. When the radio has been turned on, a subsequent depression of
the SELECT/MUSIC button will turn the radio off. Cluster 86 will also be
generated through relay 42a.
To turn the television off once it has been turned on, the patient would
touch the ON/OFF button and cluster 80 would again be generated.
Generally, the ON and OFF codes for code-driven hospital TVs are the same.
Therefore, the signal for ON is the same as the signal for OFF.
Preferably, the time between each individual control signal of a cluster
is small so that the patient does not have to wait a significant amount of
time to control the TV each time an input button is pressed. The buttons
have been designated for the most-used particular operational functions of
the TV. However, the expandability of the inventive system may require
that additional buttons be added. Furthermore, while buttons such as the
CH UP button will provide a cluster of CHANNEL UP signals, one signal for
each TV model, other buttons may provide mixed control signals for
different operational functions, such as the SELECT/MUSIC button which
turns on the radio for some TVs and selects other options, such as a
channel guide, for other TVs. It will be appreciated that the actual user
input buttons may be marked with a designation other than ON/OFF, CH UP,
CH DOWN, etc., depending upon the available options for the TV and to
prevent patient confusion. For example, if the TV is only capable of radio
functions with the SELECT/MUSIC button, the button might simply be
designated MUSIC.
The control signal clusters 80, 82,84, and 86 are generated within Submode
A of Operating Mode 1, which is directed to newer, code-driven TVs.
However, Operating Mode 1 will also allow the inventive system to operate
old TVs. Old TVs essentially may be controlled with a single button, which
is depressed to turn the TV on, to move up through the channels, and to
turn the TV off when the last viewing channel has been passed. Referring
to Submode B in FIG. 4, the input buttons are configured for old TV
operation. However, for operating old TVs, controller 16 must be in
Submode B. In one embodiment of the invention, the controller may be
switched to Submode B according to step 70 of FIG. 3 by holding the ON/OFF
button down continuously for approximately 7-8 seconds. The length of time
in which the ON/OFF button is held down is not particularly critical
except that it is desirable to prevent inadvertent entry into Submode B if
the patient holds down the ON/OFF button while trying to operate a
codedriven TV. It has been determined that a delay of 7-8 seconds would be
suitable for preventing inadvertent switching between the submodes. When
the processor senses that the ON/OFF button has been held down for 7-8
seconds, it will switch to Submode B, and the ON/OFF button will generate
a signal through relay 42a for turning the old TV on, as illustrated in
FIG. 4. Since the signal for turning the television on, moving up through
the channels, and turning the television off is essentially the same
signal, the CH UP button, when depressed, will cause the controller 16 to
produce a similar signal through relay 42a. While the signals for turning
an old TV on and off and moving the channel up is essentially created by
the opening or closing of a relay to create a continuous signal rather
than a pulsed code, the signal will still be designated as a "control
signal" in the nomenclature of this invention similar to the pulse codes
for the newer code-driven TVs. Once the processor 36 has been placed in
Submode B, it will remain in that submode. In that way, each subsequent
depression of the ON/OFF button does not have to be continuous for 7-8
seconds to turn the television on. The submode will preferably be
remembered by the processor (Step 76, FIG. 3).
In Submode B, the CH UP button produces the same effect as the ON/OFF
button in the sense that once the television is on, depressing the CH UP
button moves the channel up, and will turn the TV off after the last
channel has been passed. Once the TV is on, depressing the ON/OFF button
will also change the channels until the TV turns off. When using the
ON/OFF button and the CH UP button, relay 42a will be closed as long as
the button is pressed for controlling the TV.
The SELECT/MUSIC button in Submode B of Operating Mode 1 causes the
processor 36 to drive relays 42b and 42c. The relays are held closed as
long as the SELECT/MUSIC button is pressed (see FIG. 4.). For hospital TVs
having a separate radio system, the radio will be controlled through the
output of relay 42b, designated as RL and the output of relay 42c,
designated as RR. The common line R- for the two relays 42b and 42c are
tied together. When the SELECT/MUSIC button is pressed, the radio is
turned on, and if the button is held, the radio steps through the
available listening channels. When it passes the last listening channel it
will turn off, and will turn on again with a subsequent depression of the
SELECT/MUSIC button. Alternatively, the TV may switch to TV audio after
the last radio channel is passed, depending on the TV being controlled.
With the old TVs the radio system is generally independent of the TV and
thus relays 42b and 42c are used instead of the television control relay
42a.
In Operating Mode 1, the individual switch 44a of mode switch 44 is open,
and the common lines for the TV (TV-) and the radio (R-) are not tied
together as they are for other operating modes. Therefore, in Operating
Mode 1, old TVs and associated radios and newer, code-driven TVs and radio
systems may be operated without requiring special programming or
configuring of a bed or pillow speaker, regardless of the TV model
available. The three switches 44b, 44c, 44d of the mode switch 44 are
coupled to processor 36 to vary the operating mode of the processor.
Therefore, the three switches provide the binary possibility of eight
operating modes. Of course, additional switches may be added to mode
switch 44 as appropriate for expanding the available operating modes of
processor 36.
In one possible embodiment, to move back to Submode A from Submode B, the
CH DOWN button is pressed or held for 7-8 seconds to prevent inadvertent
switching back to Submode A. Alternatively, a SELECT/MUSIC button may be
used to switch submodes. The processor 36, then switches back to Submode A
for operating code-driven TVs.
Operating Mode II
In a second Operating Mode, the system 10 is operable for controlling a
Zenith three-wire system TV. In such a system, three dedicated wires are
used. One wire is used for turning the TV on and off, one wire is used for
changing the channel up, and the other wire is used for changing the
channel down. When Operating Mode II is chosen by using switches 44b, 44c,
and 44d, the ON/OFF button will drive relay 1 (closed as long as button is
pressed), and will turn the TV on and off. Use of the CH UP button will
cause the processor 36 to drive relay 42b (closed as long as button is
pressed) to change the channel up, and the CH DOWN button causes processor
36 to drive relay 42c (closed as long as button is pressed) to change the
channel down. In Operating Mode II the SELECT/MUSIC button does not
control the TV. Referring to FIG. 2, switch 44a of the mode switch 44 must
be closed to couple the TV common line (TV-) and the radio common line
(R-) together for proper operation.
Operating Mode III
Certain hospitals may have only old TVs and a separate radio system.
Therefore, it may be desirable to have the controller operate only for old
TVs and the radio system. To that end, Mode III may be chosen with mode
switch 44. In Mode III, the ON/OFF button drives relay 1 and turns the
television on, moves the channel up, and turns the television off, as
illustrated in FIG. 4 for Submode B of Operating Mode I. Similarly, the CH
UP button drives relay 1 for operating the TV like the ON/OFF button. The
CH DOWN button and the SELECT/MUSIC button both drive relays 2 and 3 to
toggle the radio on and off and change the channel as described above for
Submode B in Operating Mode I. For a system which will only operate in
mode 3, the labeling of the input CH DOWN might be changed so as not to
confuse the patient. Switch 44a is open in Operating Mode III.
Operating Mode IV
For those facilities which only utilize newer, code-driven TVs but with
separate radio systems, Mode IV may be chosen with mode switch 44. In Mode
IV, the ON/OFF button turns the television on and off through control
signal clusters, like cluster 80 shown in FIG. 4. The CH UP and CH DOWN
buttons also generate control signal clusters like clusters 82 and 84,
respectively. The SELECT/MUSIC button drives relays 42b and 42c (closed as
long as button is pressed). In that way, the separate radio may be toggled
on and off and the channel may be changed as discussed with Operating Mode
III. In Operating Mode IV, switch 44a is open. Should it be desirable for
also providing flexibility to operate a code-driven TV with radio
features, the SELECT/MUSIC button might also provide a Radio ON/OFF code,
as shown in cluster 86, for certain TV models.
Operating Mode V
In Operating Mode V, controller 16 is selected for use with hospitals
having only newer, code-driven TVs with or without radio features.
Therefore the ON/OFF, CH UP and CH DOWN buttons operate as discussed in
Mode 1/Submode A. When the SELECT/MUSIC button is depressed, the
controller sends a RADIO ON/OFF code for RCA/GE and Zenith TVs, and the
SELECT signal for Magnavox/Philips (cluster 86). However, the relays 42b
and 42c are not operated because they are not needed due to the lack of
any separate radio system.
Operating Mode VI
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a hospital
facility may have only one TV model from a single manufacturer. In such a
case, it may be desirable to provide a controller in which the operating
mode is specifically directed to that TV model, but which includes the
other universal TV control capabilities of the invention should the
hospital acquire other TV models in the future.
Accordingly, Mode VI of the processor may generate control signal clusters
which have individual control signals and pulse strings for only one
particular model of TV. For example, a hospital might have only RCA/GE
TVs. Accordingly, when the processor 36 and controller 16 of the invention
are in Mode VI, the controller would generate codes directed only to
RCA/GE for turning a TV on and off, changing channels, and operating the
radio functions of the code-driven TV. For example, an ON/OFF button might
generate a cluster having only TV ON/OFF codes for RCA/GE code-driven TVs.
In that way, the control provided by the inventive system may be more
specifically tailored, thus eliminating extraneous control signals and/or
control functions. Of course, the mode switch could very easily be
changed, such as throwing a different combination on dip switch 44 to
provide an expanded control capability of the system in accordance with
the principles of the present invention, should it be necessary to control
additional TV models beyond the original single TV model. The operation of
the controller 16 would be similar to that described above, except that
the control signal clusters would only have control signals for one
particular manufacturer, such as RCA and GE.
Additional Modes
Similar to Operating Mode VI, additional operating modes are utilized with
the inventive system, wherein each operating mode is tailored to a
specific TV model, such as a Zenith model, RCA/GE models, and/or
Magnavox/Philips models, or an even more specific model, such as a
particular model of Magnavox or RCA. For example, a hospital may have only
one particular Magnavox model to control, and thus may desire a system
directed to that Magnavox model. In such an operating mode, the control
signal clusters contain only control signals for the selected model of TV.
That is, the control signal clusters will only have the Magnavox control
signals therein. Accordingly, the invention provides adaptability to a
very wide variety of different hospital TV control scenarios and necessary
control protocols. With a quick changing of the mode switch 44, any one of
a number of different operating modes may be selected, depending upon the
hospital scenario and the particular model of TV to be controlled. No
additional programming or hardwiring will be necessary.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the mode switch 44 might be
eliminated while a generally a similar hardware configuration as shown in
FIG. 2 would still be utilized. In the alternative embodiment, the control
signal cluster takes into account individual control signals for both
newer and older TVs, as well as TVs from different manufacturers.
Therefore, different modes will not be necessary for operating older and
newer TVs. Of course, the mode switch 44 may still have use in a number of
installations, particularly those requiring wired radio, or alternatively
for CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN signals for some hard-wired TV models, as
described above. The alternative embodiment will further eliminate the
need for the controller to remember its last sub-mode state, such as upon
power loss, thus reducing the control complexity and overall cost of the
system.
The alternative embodiment takes into account that newer, codedriven
hospital TVs are manufactured for backward compatibility with control
systems for older TVs due to the installed single-button controllers
currently predominant in the hospital market. That is, the newer TVs must
also recognize the control signals for older TVs so that they may be used
in existing hospital facilities with only older command hardware. However,
older style hospital TVs do not recognize the new code-driven TV commands.
By incorporating the control signals for newer and older TVs into a single
cluster, the need for mode switch configuration, patient interfacing with
the mode switch, and storing of the sub-mode information is generally
eliminated, thus reducing the complexity of the control system.
FIG. 5 is the flow chart depicting the operation of the processor for the
alternative embodiment of the invention. Upon powering the system, the
controller 16 is set to a reset mode (Step 101), similar to the reset mode
in the embodiment discussed above. The processor 16 then may read certain
configuration switches to determine the interface characteristics of the
system. For example, a configuration switch might define special
installations, such as wired radio systems, or those systems that have
wired CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN signals, as previously disclosed. In
such a scenario, the configuration switches might handle some of the tasks
handled by a mode switch. As noted, the alternative embodiment preferably
eliminates mode switches and thus the reading of the configuration switch
(Step 102) would be optional, depending upon the hardware configuration.
Next, the processor 16 defines the various button switch inputs (Step
103). The definition of the button inputs may also depend upon the setting
of any optional configuration switches, although they may be hardwired.
Since there will preferably be no mode switching within the embodiment
disclosed in FIGS. 5-8, it is not necessary to continue to read and
re-read a mode switch and to restore the last operating sub-mode of the
system.
After power to the system, the processor 16 then polls the various button
inputs (Step 104) to determine if a user input is active and a user is
interfacing with the system, i.e., a user is pressing a control button for
a TV. If no button input is active, the processor 16 returns to read any
optional configuration switches (Step 102) or to define the button inputs
(Step 103) as shown in FIG. 5. If one of the user inputs is active, as
determined by a YES answer to Step 104, then the processor checks to see
if the active input is the ON/OFF button input (Step 105). If the ON/OFF
button input is active, the processor 16 then sends the appropriate ON/OFF
control signal cluster for the particular TVs coupled to the system, such
as those manufactured by Magnavox/Philips, RCA/GE, and Zenith. Referring
to FIG. 6, the ON/OFF cluster is shown as cluster 201 in FIG. 6. The
individual control signals of the cluster are sent consecutively and
sequentially with a short delay between each, as discussed above. Of
course, the sequence order of the various different manufacturers may be
varied. For example, the Zenith control signal may be sent as the first
signal in the cluster.
In accordance with one aspect of the alternative embodiment of the
invention, the control signal cluster 201 also may include individual
control signals for older TVs, as well as the newer, code-driven TVs of
the various manufacturers. Turning to FIG. 5, the processor 16 will send
cluster 201 to turn the television on or off (Step 106). Processor 16 will
then continue to monitor the input line to see if the ON/OFF button input
is still active (Step 108), ie., the system determines if a user is
holding the button down or in an engaged position. If it is not, processor
16 returns to steps 102 and 103, as shown in FIG. 5. However, if the
ON/OFF button input is still active, the processor 16 sends a pulsed data
stream (Step 112) until the ON/OFF button is released. Referring to FIG.
6, the pulsed data stream 201a is shown which includes a high period 201b
that is approximately 600 milliseconds in duration and a low period 201c
that is approximately 20 milliseconds in duration. The pulsed data stream
201a is operable to turn on an older TV which does not recognize the other
coded control signals of cluster 201. Upon receiving the pulsed data
stream 201a, an older TV will turn on. Furthermore, the TV will begin to
sequence up in channels if the ON/OFF button input is still engaged and
the data stream is continuously repeated. The upward sequencing through
the viewing channels is currently how older TVs will operate upon
receiving the repeated pulsed data stream 201 a. The pulsed data stream
201a is repeated as long as the ON/OFF button input is held (Step 112). In
that way, control signal cluster 201 is capable of operating both newer
and older style TVs without the requirement of a mode selection switch, or
mode selection through a user interface. Therefore, the operation of the
ON/OFF control for any kind of TV, older or newer, code-driven, is
transparent to a user.
When the ON/OFF button input is active, the processor 16 sends all of the
various coded control signals of the cluster in their entirety for all
applicable TV manufacturers, even if the user releases the ON/OFF button
input before all of the individual control signals are sent. In that way,
any newer code-driven television will be turned on, as long as the
specific control signal for the TV make/model is within the cluster 201.
If nothing occurs upon engaging the ON/OFF button (indicating that an
older TV is being used), the user will usually continue to engage the
ON/OFF button input until something does occur. When the button input is
continuously engaged so that the input signal generated by the button
input continues for a predetermined amount of time after the control
signals are sent, the pulsed data stream 201a will be sent by the
controller 16 to turn on or off the older TV. In that way, the data stream
201 a is added to cluster 201 as part of the cluster. If a newer TV is
utilized and turns on through one of the coded control signals in cluster
201, and the user still continues to engage the ON/OFF button input for a
predetermined time, the pulsed data stream 201a will be sent by the
controller and a new model TV will also begin to sequence up through
channels. This is because newer, code-driven TVs are backward compatible
to the control process of an old TV, as discussed above. That is, the
newer TVs see the pulsed data stream as a user input that is consecutively
pressing a single button input. Therefore, the newer TVs will ramp up
through the channels effectively at a 620 millisecond rate, according to
the length of the pulsed data stream 201a. The older TVs will also ramp up
through channels if the button input remains active after the TV is on.
The pulsed data stream 201a will be immediately terminated as soon as the
ON/OFF button input is inactive or disengaged. Therefore, either a newer,
code-driven TV or an older, single-button interface TV will respond to the
ON/OFF button input of the invention. Consecutive presses and releases of
the ON/OFF button will toggle a newer TV on and off as desired.
Returning to FIG. 5, if the ON/OFF button input is not active, the
processor checks to see if the CHANNEL UP button input is active (Step
110). If the CHANNEL UP button input is active, the processor 16 sends a
signal cluster 202 which consists of a plurality of pulsed data streams
202a. Referring to FIG. 6, the pulsed data streams 202a are similar to the
pulsed data stream 201a and include approximately a 600 millisecond high
period and a 20 millisecond low period. As mentioned above, newer TVs are
made to be backward compatible with the older TVs such that the newer TVs
will also recognize the pulsed data stream 202a as a CHANNEL UP control
command, similar to the older TVs. As illustrated in FIG. 5, older TVs
turn on and proceed through the channels in response to the same data
stream. Therefore, both newer TVs and older TVs will scroll upwardly
through the available channels upon receiving the cluster 202. The pulsed
data stream 202a of cluster 202 will essentially be repeated continuously
as long as the CHANNEL UP button input is active (Step 112). The invention
will create an upward scrolling through available channels at about a 600
millisecond interval or rate.
If the CHANNEL UP button input is not active, the processor 16 then checks
to see if the CHANNEL DOWN button input is active (Step 109). If the
CHANNEL DOWN button input is active, the processor 16 sends the cluster
204 which includes the various coded control signals for the TVs. The
coded control signals of cluster 204 initiate the appropriate command
(CHANNEL DOWN) for the newer style TVs, as indicated by reference numeral
204a. The processor will send all of the individual command signals for
the various different TV models in their entirety, even if the user
releases the CHANNEL DOWN button before all of the individual signals have
been sent. If the user continues to hold or engage the CHANNEL DOWN
button, the codes will be followed by a delay period 204b that pads the
time period such that the combination of control signals 204a and the
delay 204b is approximately 600 milliseconds long. If the CHANNEL DOWN
button input is held active, the processor continues to send the full set
of CHANNEL DOWN commands 204c repeatedly in the sequence (Step 107). This
allows a user to scroll through the viewing channels by maintaining the
CHANNEL DOWN button input active when the TV that is coupled to the
control system is a newer style, code-driven TV. Older style TVs will not
respond to the control signal cluster 204. The 600 millisecond time period
created by the individual control signals 204a and the delay 204b provides
the user the capability of scrolling both CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN
through the available viewing channels of a newer TV at essentially the
same rate (i.e., around 600 milliseconds), if either button input is held
active. Therefore, the user may actively move through the channels, up or
down, at the same speed.
If the CHANNEL DOWN button input is not active, the system may send a code
defined for a particular switch which is active (Step 111). As mentioned
above, other options may be available for controlling a TV. For example,
the system might incorporate a SELECT/MUSIC button input. Referring to
FIG. 6, if the SELECT/MUSIC button input is active, a control signal
cluster 203 is generated, which consists of the appropriate command SELECT
or RADIO ON/OFF for newer TVs. If an older TV is coupled to the control
system, and the SELECT/MUSIC button input is active, the TV will not
respond to the cluster 203. Again, for the SELECT/MUSIC button input, all
of the commands for the various manufacturers will be sent, even if the
user releases the button before all of the individual code signals of the
cluster 203 have been sent.
FIG. 7 is a timing diagram of one embodiment of the control signal cluster,
and the spacing delays associated with each command. Reference numeral 301
represents a particular cluster wherein each of the manufacturer's control
signals and their durations for the newer code-driven TVs are shown.
Essentially, a full control signal cluster including the three different
control signals described herein will have a length of approximately 230
milliseconds, including 40 millisecond delay periods between the
individual coded control signals. Of course, other clusters may have
different lengths in accordance with the principles of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 8, another timing diagram for operation of one embodiment
of the invention is illustrated. The various control signal clusters are
shown for selectable button inputs. As may be seen, the clusters for the
ON/OFF, CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN, as indicated by reference numerals
401, 402, and 404, respectively, are all appropriately padded with a time
delay of approximately 370 milliseconds such that the overall length of
each cluster, in addition to the 230 milliseconds required for the control
signals, indicated respectively as 401a, 403a, and 404a, will essentially
have a length which matches the 600 millisecond length of the pulsed data
stream utilized with the ON/OFF and CHANNEL UP inputs. The control signal
cluster 403 for the SELECT/MUSIC input, will only include a single 230
millisecond control signals 403a. Of course, various different signal
cluster durations and delays may be utilized in accordance with the
principles of the invention.
While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the
embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in
considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict
or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those
skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not
limited to the specific details representative apparatus and method, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be
made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of
applicant's general inventive concept.
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